..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Walker feels partnership with Lennon developing well at Tottenham

Tottenham right back Kyle Walker has hailed his partnership with Aaron Lennon and insisted their understanding is constantly developing.

The young duo formed a formidable pairing on Spurs' right-hand side last season, as the north London club secured a top four finish before missing out on Champions League qualification due to Chelsea's victory in the competition.

And Walker told the club's official website that he believes the two are still improving, saying: “I thought we were building up a better understanding towards the end of last season. It’s difficult, because I always want to get forward and that’s obviously Azza’s [Lennon] strength as well. We’re understanding each other a lot better, not taking it in turns to go forward, but knowing when to go and who is better to go. It’s all positive."

Spurs lost to Valencia 2-0 in the club's final preseason outing ahead of the new Premier League campaign, with both Walker and Lennon taking part.
But Walker is hoping for a better result when his side travels to Newcastle United on Saturday for the season opener.

“They scored a wonder goal and you have to take your hat off to that, but apart from that they had another two chances and stuck one away,” Walker added. “It is difficult coming to their stadium, fans behind them, playing in the heat they’re used to but we’ve European games this season and it’s good to come and play teams like this.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Newcastle facing injury crisis with Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Ba and Cisse doubts for season opener

Newcastle United midfielders Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa are major doubts for the club's Premier League season opener against Tottenham, manager Alan Pardew has confirmed.

The Magpies are facing a selection crisis with star strikers Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse also carrying injuries, with key players Cheick Tiote and Fabricio Coloccini having to limp off during their preseason defeat against Cardiff City on Saturday.

Pardew is optimistic about the fitness of some of his players, but feels that he may be forced to select a weaker team ahead of a difficult opener against Andre Villas-Boas’ men.

Pardew told The Chronicle: “Nobody was rested on Saturday. Ben Arfa has a slight knee problem which definitely keeps him out of the first week. Yohan Cabaye is not right in terms of work he has done. We are hoping to get him up to speed and get him involved on Saturday. Papiss has got a slight hamstring we think he will recover by Tuesday or Wednesday. Demba has a shin injury which he has carried for a week or so. So we took him out of the game on Tuesday.”

Newcastle will have to make a late decision on whether Tiote will join up with the Ivory Coast this week for a friendly in Moscow against Fabio Capello’s Russia. The club is also monitoring the fitness of captain Coloccini after he survived an injury scare of his own.

“Cheick [Tiote] has a calf problem. We will have to see. I don’t think he will travel,” Pardew added. “Colo [Coloccini] looked like he was struggling after 20 minutes which worries me. Colo did not want to come off, being captain.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bendtner reiterates desire to leave Arsenal amid offers from Italy, Spain and Germany

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner has confirmed that he wants to leave the club and revealed he has received offers from European clubs.

The 22-year-old has previously stated that he would not play for the Gunners again due to a lack of first team opportunities, and was farmed out on loan to Sunderland on transfer deadline day last summer.

And, after putting himself in the shop window with an impressive showing at Euro 2012 with Denmark, Bendtner has again stated his intention to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer.

He told Sporten.dk: "It is not an option to stay at Arsenal. It's not something I want or Arsenal. I expect that there will be a clarification on my club situation before the transfer window closes. There are concrete talks."

When asked if he had rejected any offers, Bendtner was reluctant to state which clubs were interested in securing his signature.

However, he claimed to have had approaches from Italy, Spain and Germany, adding: "Yes, I have [rejected offers], and it may be, for various reasons. I have some requirements to be fulfilled and they have not been so, it becomes a no."

Reports this week have suggested that the Gunners are prepared to use Bendtner as makeweight in a deal that would see AC Milan defender Phillipe Mexes make the switch to north London.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Agger affirms commitment to Liverpool: "I can't imagine playing for other clubs in England"

Daniel Agger has claimed he would like the opportunity to stay at Liverpool, but admits the club may have no choice but to sell him if the offer is too good to refuse.


The 27-year-old, who arrived from Brondby back in 2006 for £6 million, has cemented his position as a key member of the Reds’ squad in recent seasons despite lingering injury problems.

But boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted that all his players have a price, and with Manchester City reportedly having had two bids rejected, the defender concedes that he may not have any say in where his future lies.

When asked about possible interest from other clubs, Agger told Ekstra Bladet: "No, I haven't heard anything. That is how the club wants to do it. I would prefer to stay."

"I can't imagine playing for other clubs in England. But, you never know if the club prefers to sell me."

The heavily-tattooed defender recently had 'YNWA' [standing for 'You'll Never Walk Alone'] imprinted on his knuckles, fuelling speculation that he could stay at Anfield for the remainder of his career.

However, Agger dismissed suggestions that the tattoo had anything to do with his current situation at the club.

He added: "It is a gesture towards the Kop, towards Liverpool and towards the people around the club."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sneijder looking forward to fresh start with Netherlands

Netherlands midfielder Wesley Sneijder says he’s looking forward to working under new national team coach Louis van Gaal, but admits it’s difficult to perform for his country when he's sitting on the bench.

The Oranje experienced a disastrous Euro 2012 campaign as they lost all three of their groups games before heading home at the first hurdle, and the Inter Milan playmaker believes it was the right time for a change of management.


Sneijder told Algemeen Dagblad about his expectations with the Dutch squad in the future: "We all should accept things. It is hard when you play good at your club, but sit on the bench in Oranje. But only if we accept these things, is it possible to make a new start."

Louis van Gaal replaced Bert Van Marwijk as Dutch manager following the recent European Championships and the former Barcelona took charge of his first training session on Monday afternoon as his side prepare for the friendly with Belgium on Wednesday.

Attacking midfielder Sneijder was one of several experienced Netherlands internationals left frustrated by the country’s performances in Poland/Ukraine and admitted he was relishing the start of life under van Gaal.

"I've never worked with him before," said the 28-year-old. "Maybe he is another coach than Van Basten or Van Marwijk. Who should be the new captain? Somebody who can take the lead. Am I somebody like that? Well, I wouldn't say no."

Holland kicks off its 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign with tricky games against Turkey and Hungary in quick succession during September.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Song told me he wants to join Barcelona, says Malaga's Kameni

Malaga goalkeeper Carlos Kameni believes his compatriot Alex Song would 'fit in at Barcelona', claiming he learnt of the Arsenal midfielder's desire make the move to Spain while the two were on vacation together.

The Blaugrana has been strongly linked with a move for the Cameroon international following Seydou Keita's move to Chinese Super League side Dalian Aerbin earlier this summer.

Song's international teammate thinks the 24-year-old would be a smart acquisition for the Liga runner-up, and has said that Song has told him he wants to join Tito Vilanova's side.

"We were together on vacation. He [Song] would like to go to Barcelona, any player would like to. Barcelona are not one of the best in the world, but the best," Kameni told Cope Catalunya. "[Song would] fit in at Barcelona," he continued. "He has all the features to play there. We all know what kind of player Barcelona like and he is one of them.

Kameni spoke of how the Gunner bears a resemblance to one of Barcelona's former players: "He is like Yaya Toure, but with much more mobility. He is very mobile but can also pass well. He is a complete player."

He also commented on how Song has progressed rapidly in recent seasons: "Alex has demonstrated how good he is during his time with Arsenal. He has always progressed well, but his last two years have been spectacular."

"He is a very focused kid, with his head in the right place. He always wants to improve and is willing to listen to others and work on his weaknesses. He is a hard worker and is very versatile, which makes him a very good team player."

The player himself recently indicated that Barcelona had shown an interest in him, but denied that he wants to leave Arsenal for the Spanish giants.

Song joined Arsene Wenger's side from French team Bastia for 1.3 million euros in 2005, and has gone on to make over 200 appearances for the club.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Zabaleta happy with three-man Manchester City defence

Pablo Zabaleta was happy to feature as part of a back three in Manchester City's Community Shield victory over Chelsea on Sunday.

Roberto Mancini has tested the 3-4-1-2 system in preseason and may now favor it ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.

Zabaleta revealed that he was very happy with how the new shape worked both in training and on matchday, while indicating it could be a vital option with City fighting on various fronts domestically and in Europe this season.

"It is another system and another option the manager has," the 27-year-old Argentina international told reporters.

"We have been working with three at the back in preseason and it worked well."

Mancini's men get the defense of their Premier League crown underway on Sunday when they play newly-promoted Southampton at the Etihad Stadium.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

UEFA reduces Terry Champions League ban after appeal

UEFA has reduced the Champions League ban handed to Chelsea defender John Terry after an appeal from the player was successful.

A statement on the governing body's official website confirmed that it has partially upheld Terry's appeal and thus reduced his ban from three games to two.

"Although the central defender is still suspended for three UEFA club competition matches, the third game of the ban has now been deferred for a probationary period of three years," the statement reads.

"The UEFA Appeals Body decided to partially uphold Terry's appeal against the three-match suspension handed down to him by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body on 31 May."

The England international had been suspended after being sent off in the Blues' Champions League semifinal second leg against Barcelona on April 24, where he drove his knee into Alexis Sanchez in an off-the-ball incident.

The center half missed his side's triumph over Bayern Munich in the final of the European competition due to the red card, and will also miss the Super Cup clash with Atletico Madrid on Aug. 31.

However, the decision to reduce the ban means Terry will be available for selection for Roberto Di Matteo's side's first group game in this year's tournament, which it qualified for as champion.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Giuseppe Rossi would 'definitely say yes' to AC Milan

The agent of Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi has confirmed that the striker would welcome the opportunity to join AC Milan.

The 25-year-old has endured a tough year after rupturing a ligament in October, and then suffering a repeat of the injury when he returned to training with the Yellow Submarine in April.

His injuries restricted him to just 14 appearances in all competitions last season for the club, and without him Villarreal was relegated from La Liga in May.

Despite his lengthy spell on the sidelines, some of Europe's top teams retain an interest in signing the player, including Milan. His agent, Federico Pastorello, confirmed to Sky Sport 24 that the forward would welcome such a move.

"Milan? I don't know if contact with the Rossoneri has been made, but Rossi would definitely say yes if he was approached by Milan," Pastorello said. "For Giuseppe Rossi the transfer market will start in the last few weeks of the transfer window. He wishes to play in Serie A again and I expect a call from Italian clubs.

"He could be very useful to Napoli and Roma. Inter also need younger players in their squad. Juventus lacks a top player and Milan have to replace the strikers that have left the club."

The Italian has made 192 appearances for the Spanish side since joining from Manchester United in 2007.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Song admits Barcelona interest but affirms his happiness at Arsenal

Alex Song has indicated that Barcelona has shown interest in him but denied that he wants toleave Arsenal for the Spanish giant.

Speculation has been growing after reports in Spain claimed Barca made a 11.7 million pound bid for the 24-year-old. Zenit St Petersburg is allegedly among other interested clubs.

Gerard Pique and Andres Iniesta have both spoken out to express their delight at the links with the Cameroon international, in similar style to 'tapping up' claims preceding former Gunner Cesc Fabregas' move to Catalunya last summer.

The defensive midfielder, who has grown into a vital part of Arsene Wenger's team, has admitted the interest from "the best team in the world" but moved to strongly dismiss any suggestions that he is ready to leave the Emirates.

"I am not going to lie if I said there is no interest but I am at Arsenal and I am happy at Arsenal," he told Sky Sports. "Barcelona are the best team in the world, and speculation will always continue until the window closes."

Song, who moved to north London from SC Bastia for a fee of 1m pounds in 2006, has two years remaining on his current contract with Arsenal, although reports suggest he is open to extending his deal.

 

[NB Diamonds]

maxsa machan.

Rep +

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Olic: Croatia will beat Serbia in 2014 World Cup qualification

Ivica Olic is confident that Croatia will beat Serbia as the two sides look to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.


Igor Stimac's troops were paired with their neighbor, as well as Belgium, Scotland, Wales and Macedonia in the race to reach the tournament, and the Wolfsburg striker has little doubt that his team will make it to Brazil.

"Serbia are obviously very tough opponents. But second, it makes the players even more motivated. It's more than just a game of football," Olic was quoted as saying on the official FIFA website. "I personally know a number of Serbian players and have very good friends there. At the end of the day, I hope the football makes the headlines.

"May the better team win - that is what I would like to see. I think we will finish ahead of Serbia, and I think we will beat them."

Nevertheless, the experienced attacker then stressed that he would like to see Serbia qualify for the finals as well in an ideal situation.

"But if Serbia make it instead, I will congratulate them," he said. "In my opinion, both teams have the quality to make the World Cup. That would be ideal."

Croatia hosts Serbia on March 13, 2013, with the return taking place on Sept. 6.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fabregas: I never really got to grips with Guardiola's system

Cesc Fabregas has admitted that he struggled to adapt at Barcelona last season because of Pep Guardiola's system.

"Under Guardiola I never really got to grips with the system," the 25-year-old explained to Marca.

The Spain international left Arsenal for Camp Nou in the summer of 2011, but had a tough time living up to the high expectations, and he has now stated that the lack of freedom in the 41-year-old's formation hindered him.

"I had been playing another style of football and to take on board so much so quickly was difficult, because everyone else had already got it down," Fabregas explained.

He added, "Playing in central midfield was hard for me because I need more mobility and I am not quick off the mark in the first few meters.

"I am not asking for anything, but that is my way of playing. It is true that I am a bit anarchic, but that is my style. Some people commented that I lacked something last season, including Guardiola. "

Fabregas admits that he started last season trying to be like Barcelona's other midfielders.

"It was my fault really because I tried to be what I am not; I am not Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta, or Thiago [Alcantara]. I am me and I need mobility, to participate more."

Fabregas netted nine goals in 28 Liga appearances last season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Athletic President: Llorente will not renew contract

Athletic Bilbao president Josu Urrutia has confirmed that Fernando Llorente does not want to renew his contract with the Liga side amid interest from Juventus.

The 27-year-old striker's current deal is due to expire at the end of the 2012-13 campaign, and the Basques were keen to hold on to the Spain international beyond the expiry date of his current contract.

However, Llorente has seemingly set his sights on a transfer, and will not extend his contract with last year's Europa League and Copa del Rey finalists.

"Llorente has told us that he does not want to renew his contract with the club," Urrutia revealed at a press conference.

"In case Llorente leaves the club, we will not sign another attacker. I can tell all clubs that want to sign one of our players that we are not a selling club. They will have to pay a player's buyout clause."

Goal.com revealed on Saturday that Juventus have tabled a 16 million euros offer for Llorente, and the Serie A champions' chances of getting their man appear to have increased following the striker's decision not to ink a new deal with Bilbao.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea defender Ivanovic escapes ban for Community Shield red card

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has escaped a ban for his reckless challenge on Manchester City player Aleksandar Kolarov in the Community Shield that earned him a red card.

The Serbian will be free to face Wigan on the opening day of the Premier League season because the FA changed its rules two years ago after an incident where both Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes were sent off in a preseason tournament in Amsterdam, and both served three-match bans that ran into the English season.

The rule change covers all non-competitive preseason fixtures, which includes the Community Shield. Additionally, yellow cards shown to Frank Lampard, Ramires, Ryan Bertrand, Ashley Cole and Manchester City players Costel Pantilimon, Stefan Savic and Vincent Kompany will not count towards their tally for the domestic season.

While there were initial protests on the pitch from some Chelsea players, goalkeeper Petr Cech has admitted that Ivanovic's tackle merited a red card.

"I saw Iva going in for the ball but his leg was over the ball, so it was a bit high and if he caught him, then it's a red card, that's what the referees have told us in meetings we have had," Cech told the club's official website.

"There was no intention to hurt the player, but the tackle happened and so it was probably a red card."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sahin set to leave Real Madrid

Nuri Sahin appears to be on his way out of Real Madrid and could complete a loan move away from the Liga champions by the end of the week, Marca reports.

The Turkey international moved to the Spanish capital from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2011, but failed to live up to the high expectations at the Santiago Bernabeu, partially due to injuries.

Madrid coach Jose Mourinho recently stated that the 23-year-old will be allowed to leave the club this summer, and he has since been linked with clubs such as Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.

Sahin has featured regularly during Madrid's preseason tour in the USA, but has been restricted to appearances at left-back rather than in his preferred position of holding midfielder as Mourinho prefers the likes of Lassana Diarra, Esteban Granero, Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira.

Therefore, the former BVB star has now accepted that his future lies away from Madrid, and Sahin's agent has been busy to try and orchestrate a move to the Premier League, which could be wrapped up shortly.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

maxsa machan.

Rep +

Thank's Machan!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Newcastle manager Pardew hits out at agents

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has spoken out against football agents, and claims that they are ruining the handling of transfers.

After a successful year in the market last season, when Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse were picked up, the Magpies boss has already signed Romain Amalfitano and Gael Bigirimana from Reims and Conventry respectively, and is looking to add to his squad again.

But Pardew states that unreasonable pricing from agents has to stop, and that the players' representatives need to understand that times have changed.

"You ask any Premier League manager, outside of Chelsea, and we are all worrying about where to pitch," Pardew told The Sun.

"The big problem we have as football managers and chairmen is the valuation agents are putting on their players."They need to understand times have changed."

Ajax's versatile midfielder Vurnon Anita, who the Magpies have been linked with throughout the summer, revealed on Sunday that his club accepted a bid of around 6.6 million pounds, but that it was now up to him to agree a deal with the club.

Meanwhile, Lille's French international right back Mathieu Debuchy on Saturday insisted he still wanted to leave the club, although his club are understood to be holding out for a 6.3m pounds fee.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea midfielder Oscar feels 'huge disappointment' after Brazil defeat

Chelsea midfielder Oscar has admitted that he feels hugely disappointed not to have won a gold medal at the Olympic Games with Brazil.

Mano Menezes' team was the heavy favorite going into the final of the tournament against Mexico at Wembley but Oribe Peralta's double sent the underdogs on their way to a 2-1 victory.

The Blues' new signing was made to settle for silver and rued missing the chance that could have dramatically pulled the Selecao level after Hulk had grabbed a goal in injury time.

Oscar failed to hit the target with a close range header but also felt that Brazil had enough chances to level the score after Peralta's opener.

"It was a big chance at the end," Oscar told reporters. "It was not just the header, we had several other chances when the score was 1-0.

"I feel huge disappointment. I am very proud to have reached the final but we are so sad to not have achieved winning the gold medal."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney targeting consistency for Manchester United

Wayne Rooney is targeting a greater consistency in Manchester United's game as the Red Devils look to regain the Premier League crown this season.


Sir Alex Ferguson's side rounded off preseason preparations with a thrilling 4-3 win over Hannover, with Rooney playing in a deeper role along with Shinji Kagawa and Tom Cleverley and the England international was pleased to link up with the Japanese star and United youth product.

He told reporters: "It was alright. Obviously it’s nice to score but the most important thing is the 90 minutes and the game, so that was good for me."I think it was OK, at times we played some great football and sometimes we were a bit sloppy, but I think that’s always going to happen in preseason games.

"I played with Kagawa and Tom Cleverley in there as well and the three of us linked up really well I thought, at times anyway.

"He [Cleverley] was a big miss for us last season. Obviously now with the Olympics he's up to speed, he's got his fitness and he will be an important player for us this season."Kagawa’s been great. He’s a great signing for us and I’m looking forward to playing with him in the season.

"I feel good. A lot of hard work in training, obviously it’s the games what count and it was nice to have the 90 minutes tonight and yeah I feel good."

United was pipped to the title by Manchester City last season, with Sergio Aguero's last-minute goal on the final day of the campaign sealing the top-flight crown for Roberto Mancini's side and Rooney refused to speculate on the destination of the title this term

"I don’t know. Obviously everyone has their opinions," he continued. "Some people think City, some people think United, some people think Chelsea. I'm not really going to get into that but we’re working hard to try to win the title back anyway so hopefully we can do that.

"Obviously it's [last season] not something you want to look back on, when we've won leagues in the past we've looked forward to the upcoming season and if we haven’t won it then we've been looking forward to the season coming up."It’s a big disappointment but we have to move on."

The Red Devils take on Everton in their Premier League opener next weekend and the 26-year-old is hoping to avenge last season's 4-4 draw between the sides that dented United's title challenge.

He added: "Obviously a big disappointment for us that game and you can argue that that was the game which cost us the title. But it's a new season and it's important to start well and it's always a tough game so we will have to be at our best to beat them.

"It's a big game for us. It's important to try to get off to a good start in the first game so it will be a good time to do that.

"I still have connections with Everton but the most important thing is for Man United to try to go there and get three points. That's what we're aiming to do."